Reflexive Pronouns in English

Reflexive pronouns are an essential part of English grammar. They are used when the subject and the object of a sentence are the same person or thing. Reflexive pronouns help clarify meaning, emphasize actions, and make sentences more precise.

1. What Are Reflexive Pronouns?

Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding "-self" (singular) or "-selves" (plural) to certain pronouns. They always refer back to the subject of the sentence.

Here’s a list of reflexive pronouns:

Subject Pronoun	Reflexive Pronoun
I	myself
You (singular)	yourself
He	himself
She	herself
It	itself
We	ourselves
You (plural)	yourselves
They	themselves

2. When to Use Reflexive Pronouns

A. When the Subject and Object Are the Same

Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of the verb refer to the same person or thing.

✅ Examples:

• I hurt myself while cooking.

• She looked at herself in the mirror.

• The cat cleaned itself after eating.

• They taught themselves how to play the piano.

B. To Emphasize the Subject (Intensive Pronouns)

Reflexive pronouns can be used for emphasis. These are also called intensive pronouns and can be removed from the sentence without changing the meaning.

✅ Examples:

• I myself don’t believe in ghosts. (= I don’t believe in ghosts.)

• The president himself made the announcement.

• She fixed the car herself without any help.

• We built the house ourselves.

C. With Certain Verbs That Require Reflexive Pronouns

Some verbs require a reflexive pronoun because they naturally indicate that the subject is performing the action on itself.

✅ Examples:

• Behave yourself! (act properly)

• Help yourself to some snacks. (take some)

• He prides himself on his work. (takes pride in)

• She taught herself how to code.

D. To Indicate an Unusual or Unexpected Action

Reflexive pronouns can show that someone did something alone or in an unexpected way.

✅ Examples:

• He lived by himself for many years. (= alone)

• She completed the entire project herself. (without help)

3. Common Mistakes with Reflexive Pronouns

A. Using a Reflexive Pronoun When It’s Not Needed

🚫 Incorrect: My friend and myself went to the store.✅ Correct: My friend and I went to the store.

🚫 Incorrect: Please send the report to John or myself.✅ Correct: Please send the report to John or me.

👉 Reflexive pronouns should not be used as the subject or object unless referring back to the subject.

B. Using the Wrong Reflexive Pronoun

🚫 Incorrect: She looked at hisself in the mirror.✅ Correct: She looked at herself in the mirror.

🚫 Incorrect: They hurt ourself during the game.✅ Correct: They hurt themselves during the game.

👉 Always match the reflexive pronoun with the subject of the sentence.

4. Common Expressions with Reflexive Pronouns

Here are some common idiomatic expressions using reflexive pronouns:

• Make yourself at home – Feel comfortable.

• Suit yourself – Do whatever you prefer.

• By myself / by yourself – Alone.

• Help yourself – Feel free to take something.

• See for yourself – Check something to confirm.

• Talk to yourself – Speak out loud when alone.

✅ Examples:

• “Please, make yourself at home.” (= Feel comfortable.)

• “If you don’t believe me, go see for yourself.” (= Check it on your own.)

• “I stayed by myself last night.” (= Alone.)

5. Reflexive Pronouns vs. Reciprocal Pronouns

Sometimes, reflexive pronouns are confused with reciprocal pronouns (each other, one another).

🚫 Incorrect: They greeted themselves at the party.✅ Correct: They greeted each other at the party.

🚫 Incorrect: We emailed ourselves yesterday.✅ Correct: We emailed each other yesterday.

👉 Reflexive pronouns = refer to the same person/thing.👉 Reciprocal pronouns = refer to two or more people doing something to each other.

6. Reflexive Pronouns in Passive Voice

In some cases, reflexive pronouns can be used in passive voice structures:

✅ Examples:

• The decision was made by the company itself.

• The solution presented itself unexpectedly.

Conclusion

Reflexive pronouns are useful for indicating that an action is performed on the subject itself, adding emphasis, and forming idiomatic expressions. Understanding when and how to use them correctly will improve your fluency in English.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Reflexive pronouns always refer to the subject of the sentence.

• They can emphasize the subject or show an action done alone.

• Avoid using reflexive pronouns as a subject or object unless necessary.

• Be careful not to confuse reflexive pronouns with reciprocal pronouns.

Now that you understand reflexive pronouns, try using them in your own sentences to practice! 🚀